Q: What is band? 

A: Band is a class you may take in 6th-12th grade. In band, you learn how to play an instrument, read music, and perform with others in your grade!

Q: What instruments can I play in 6th grade beginning band? 

A: In beginning band, you may play flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, or tuba! Saxophone and percussion auditions take place after the winter concert in 6th grade band. 

Q: How do I sign up for band? 

A: You sign up for band by enrolling in the class at Geneva Middle School. Talk to our counselor, Jessica George, or Miss Foltz for more information! 

Q: How is band graded? 

A: In band, you receive a 5 point daily participation grade. If you are disruptive during rehearsal, you will not receive your points for that day. You must also have your book and your instrument in order to recieve points for the day. You may make up your participation points by completing music theory worksheets that can be found in the band room on your own time. These worksheets must be 100 percent correct in order to receive back your participation points. In band you must also complete playing tests during class. Playing tests are worth 10 points, and are a pass fail grade. You must play accurate notes and rhythms to pass your playing test. The last type of grade in band are the concerts and or performances. Concerts and performances are graded for attendance, meaning if you are absent for any reason you wil not receive a grade. Concerts and perfromances are worth 100 points. If you know you will be absent from a performance, please fill out an excuse form prior to the date. If you are absent from a performance, you may make up those points by writing a one page, handwritten paper about the biography of a band composer. 

Option one (HIGHLY ENCOURGED): Renting your own instrument! Music stores often have rent to own programs for every instrument. Renting your own instrument is cost effective and easy. I highly encourage all students to rent their own instruments for band. 

Music stores close to you are: 

Rettig Music: 26469 Center Ridge Rd, Westlake, OH 44145

Website: https://rettigmusic.com/ 

Beeman Brass:  34675 Melinz Pkwy #105B, Eastlake, OH 44095

Website: https://beemanbrassworks.com/ 

Arrowhead Music: 8571 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060

Website: https://arrowheadmusicmentor.com/ 

DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT OFF OF AMAZON OR OTHER ONLINE VENDORS!!!

These instruments are extremely poor quality and will not function properly. It will be incredibly frustrating for your student to play on an instrument that breaks every couple of days. Instrument repair shops will also not service these instruments, so when it stops working you will be unable to permanently repair it. Please do not purchase these instruments as ultimately, they are a waste of money.

Option Two: Ask family if they have any old instruments! Often, family members may have old instruments they have not used. Ask around and see if it possible for you to use it! 

Option Three: School Owned instrument! If you are interested in using a school owned instrument, please reach out to Miss Foltz.